One of the best ways to serve the US-based TCS community is to take up a position at the NSF. Beginning as early as 2019, NSF/CCF is seeking at least one program director for the Algorithmic Foundations core program. This is a rotator position, which is generally two or three years in duration. Please consider applying!
Besides service to the community, there are many other benefits from serving:
- It’s an opportunity to meet a lot of people in one’s own field and others, and to become more well-known in research communities. Some institutions place value on the experience. Many rotators are able to use it to enhance career options.
- A rotator can typically spend 20% (NSF-paid) time on research, including visits back to the home institution. The impact on research and advising may be considerable, but does not have to be a complete hiatus.
- There is a wealth of opportunities for cultural and educational experiences for families who relocate to the area for a few years, which some find to offset the very considerable impacts associated with such a move.
The official posting for AF won’t appear until later, but postings for similar positions can be found here: https://www.nsf.gov/careers/openings/. For further information, please reach out to Tracy Kimbrel (tkimbrel@nsf.gov) or Shuchi Chawla (shuchi@cs.wisc.edu).